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16 Customer Reviews for

Mehndi: The Art of Henna Body Painting, by Carine Fabius

Avid Reader

I just purchased your book today and have already read it cover to cover! I just wanted to write and thank you for all the resources and tips within the book, and for explaining what and why you need all those components in the henna recipe! So many books just gloss over that and concentrate on the designs. I'm a Celtic artist and have been waiting to look into mehndi for a while now, and this has given me a great opportunity to play! I've already got some Celtic stencils cut from mylar, and used them tonight to test-fly your recipes with some quick designs on my upper arms. So far, so good...looks like a really nice, bright orange. Thanks again!
 
— Cari

A Well-designed Book

A few years ago, I had a dragon painted on my arm in henna, and after seeing this book in a shop, I thought it'd be interesting to learn more about it, and perhaps give it a go myself. I've not given it a go yet, as henna plants are difficult to locate in this small town, but I feel it's given me a fair background to start with.

The book begins with a short history lesson on the origin and uses of the plant and artform. Maps, pictures of the plant and practical applications are interspersed throughout the history and cultural lesson.

Indeed, the book is profusely illustrated with many wonderous designs all over the body, focusing mainly on the hands and feet, but there are many designs shown on the arms, chest, belly and back, ranging from very simplistic to extremely complex, both modern and traditional designs from various cultures which use henna art religious and celebratory occasions.

Easy to follow instructions are given on harvesting and preparing the plant for use in an easy to make recipe for the paste used to dye the skin, as wells as detailed explanations and diagrams for creation of an applicator, though a store-bought one with a metal tip is recommended, especially for finer, more detailed designs.

There are even exercises and techniques listed to help you along before you begin, and over 30 designs and symbols (some with short descriptions of their meaning) with instructions on how to proceed to create some of the beautiful designs illustrated, and application and creation techniques. I would have appreciated a more detailed explanation for the symbols and how they're used in the given culture, but the descriptions are short and superficial.

At the rear of the book, there are a few studios listed in the States where you can have henna applied, as well as a short bibliography and some design books suggested for reference, as well as an index and short author biography.

A well designed book, I love the pictures, as natural henna only comes in a few shades of brown or red, the black and white pictures don't take away much. If you're interested in giving mehndi a go, this book could give you an excellent start.
 
— Daisy

Beautifully Written

Your Mehndi book is a thoroughly researched and beautifully written work on the art of henna body painting and stands on its own merits as both a delightful survey of the subject for the plain reader and a practical illustrated guide for anyone interested in learning this ancient art form.
 
— Frank / Sunphone Records

Good Information

This book has good information for those who want to learn about mehndi. The pictures and illustrations are clear. We haven't tried their version of the recipe (for the paste). I think this is a great book for any level mehndi artist.
 
— Jamie

A Great Book, Especially for the Beginner

This is a great book, especially for the beginner. It teaches you much about the history and uses of mehndi. It's a very interesting book, for both beginners and people who are somewhat familiar with the practice. Provides you with many different designs and information on both the history of mehndi and the henna herb itself. Not only that but it tells you how to mix henna paste, how to make cones to apply it with, and lots of advice coming from the author's experience. It also has pages of lines and simple drawings to practice to get the feel of applying the tattoos. Over all this is an excellent book, both for refering to and just to read for fun.
 
— Jessica

A Very Nice Little Book

This is a very nice little book, quite primitive but very sweet in its style and explanation of the process and design. There are some interesting photos of different designs and larger skin applications, and the finished work was quite lovely. My only grievance was that the hand-drawn illustrations and designs are somewhat childish looking and skewed, but then again, I'm more of a perfectionist. In the spirit of free-hand artistic expression, I can overlook that factor.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and believe many others would find it interesting as well.
 
— Tori

I Really Like the Author's Style

So I absolutely love the art of henna painting, and the beautiful designs that one can create with it.

I also really enjoy learning about the history of it's use, which is, to my understanding, female centered in nature, which is neat to learn about, especially how it is used in celebration and to mark special life events.

Now while I have dabbled in creating my own henna influenced designs in paintings and drawings, I never really knew much about the technique. Well, for Christmas I received an Earth Henna Kit, which is a little starter kit. Everything was fine with it only it didn't really include traditional designs.

That is the main reason I was looking for a book on mehndi. But this book is sooo much more! It contains many clear pictures of traditional and creative mehndi designs, some history, and details on how to begin your own designs — even if u have never drawn before, this book gives guidance.

I also really like the author's style. Who she is comes through in a lovely way. She makes attempting henna design very approachable.

A great little book! Highly recommend!
 
— Marcia

A Must-have Book

Although I already have the spectacular book Mehndi: The Timeless Art of Henna Painting by Loretta Roome, Carine Fabius' MEHNDI is another must-have book. She explains where henna is practiced and where it is not. She gives history of its use and even explains the meanings of many symbols and how they should be used (for those who want to be sensitive to various sacred elements). What I find absolutely WONDERFUL about Ms. Fabius' approach is that she has MORE than 25 pages dedicated to helping one create a myriad of designs. This feature along with professional tips and other great content is what prompts me to give MEHNDI a five-star rating. It is very evident this book was not thrown together to make a quick buck. On the contrary, on every page one can get the sense that Ms. Fabius has a passion for Henna, and I thank her for sharing her knowledge
 
— Gina

Amazing Book!

I have just finished this most amazing book! Out of all of the literature about this mystical practice, this book covers EVERYTHING you could possibly want or need to know about Mehndi. I will be using the techniques and patterns enclosed for years to come. Also, purchase and read the other Mehndi book by Loretta Roome — a MUST for Mehndi Specialists!!
 
— Jason

I Loved the Book

I loved the book. It gave you step by step instructions and simple exercises to create your own designs.
 
— Cameron

Recommended

I recommend this as a first book for any beginner Mehndi reader. This book allows you to decide how far you want to go with Mehndi. The book is quick and easy to read with the bare minimum of history. There are cautions and tips for beginners and general descriptions of several methods of application and types of henna. After reading this, I'm ready to proceed to more detailed Mehndi books with historical facts and symbolic meanings.
 
— Eileen

An Easy Reference and Guide

It gave good historical information. I was surprised by the some of the information as far as the original uses and medicinal properties. the book was easy to follow and is an easy reference and guide. Reading it made me want to try every example and test my skills in free hand artistry.
 
— Maureen

Clear Yet Not Dumbed Down

When I decided to venture into the world of my own business, I thought henna would be a likely place to start. Being artistic helps, but knowledge helps more. This was the first book I bought when I began my research into the great big world of henna. The instructions are clear enough so that children can understand, yet not dumbed down. There is a good deal of cultural information as well as interesting traditions and superstitions surrounding the use of henna all around the world. She doesn't stick to just one culture, which I appreciate. Too many books now just give the flashy "Madonna" speech and leave the rich history and customs out of it. This has enough cultural information to keep your friends or clients interested while you are doing a long henna design on them. The professionals' tips are great, too! Saved me lots of failed experiments. There are several beautiful B&W photos throughout this book that range from very simplistic to terrifyingly intricate designs. So for those who are learning this wonderful art form either for personal self expression or going into business to do it, or both, this is a must-have! Go forth and Henna!
 
— Shelly

A Great Book to Start with

For anyone who has experimented in henna before, this book just re-teaches the basics. It has a very good and helpful section on the history of henna, some things I'd never read before. For anyone who has had little exposure to henna this is a great book to start with. For those who are looking for more complex design ideas, there are more helpful books. Again, the basic helpful tips are a good place to start.
 
— Tara

A Friendly, Easy Read

This book is a friendly, easy read. For the beginner with no experience, it will make you feel comfortable. It offers advice on the history of a design, the meaning, and gives a step by step instruction on some of the more complicated looking designs. The book also offers practice exercises for those who feel they can't draw mehndi designs.

All in all, it's a good book for a beginner.
 
— Mattie

Excellent for the Aspiring Mehndi Artist

This book is excellent for the aspiring Mehndi artist. It gives you a little historical and botanical information about the henna plant and its uses. It has a very to easy follow recipe for making your own paste and practical how to designs. The book touches on the symbolic signifigance that can be bestowed in a Mehndi design. I would have liked to see maybe another page or two of symbolic designs. Overall I must say I really enjoyed the book.
 
— Patti

“Your Mehndi book is a thoroughly researched and beautifully written work on the art of henna body painting and stands on its own merits as both a delightful survey of the subject for the plain reader and a practical illustrated guide for anyone interested in learning this ancient art form.”

— Frank

4 Customer Reviews for

Mehndi Book and Henna Tattoo Kit Set

Great Book

Thank you for the great book! I ordered your kit that included the book and was very pleased with the simple instructions as well as the knowledgeable history and helpful hints. I'm thinking of starting a small business of doing mehndi here in Calgary, Canada.  I suspect it will only be a summer job (we're in parkas the rest of the time!). But it's going to be something I truly love. Your book and products are a wonderful resource for me. Blessings....
 
— Sharon

This Kit Is Fantastic

I love body art, but because I am underage, I cannot do anything without Mommy or Daddy's signature. So I recently got into the art of mehndi. I wanted a kit that would work and teach me all about the art. I researched and stumbled upon this on.

This kit is fantastic. It features a book, which has nice pictures, designs, history of henna, tips, FAQs, and a how-to to make your own henna. The kit is wonderful. It comes with stencils so you beginners can have fun too. The henna is very easy to make, and it leaves a deep rich red color. The design lasts a fair amount of time. It's easy to apply, and lasts 4 weeks in the fridge after mixed!

This is a very fun way of doing temporary tats, but they actually have more spiritual meaning than a cool design. I highly suggest this kit. It's well worth the cash.
 
— Di

Happy with the Kit

I bought this product after being introduced to the art of henna at a booth in Marine World. Once my initial hand design faded in two weeks, I decided to take matters into my own hands. This product was not only cheaper than what I paid for my design, but it also had clear instructions on how to mix the paste and how to apply it. The only downside to the kit was that it came with only one bag of henna powder and one bottle of solution, meaning that you only get one supply that will last for a month once mixed. While this may be sufficient for beginners, those who are more enthusiastic or intermediate may need to buy more supplies (powder, solution, oils, applicator bottles, etc.) Another downside was that the book didn't provide enough diverse designs, and the pictures were mainly in black and white. I suggest that anyone who purchases this kit buy a book that expands more on designs, as you will want to try out more things for yourself. Other than that, I was happy with the kit I bought — but I will need to buy more henna than supplied.
 
— Karen

Good Book and Cool Designs

This is not the first time I have used this product. Comes with good book and some pretty cool (more importantly, easily transferable) designs.

If you are looking for high quality Henna in a kit, this is it. If you can leave the Henna on your skin for 8 hours, it will mature to the most beautiful reddish brown I have ever seen in a kit and will last for weeks (depending on where you put it).

Great value.
 
— Robert

“This kit is fantastic. It features a book, which has nice pictures, designs, history of henna, tips, FAQs, and a how-to to make your own henna. The kit is wonderful. It comes with stencils so you beginners can have fun too. The henna is very easy to make, and it leaves a deep rich red color. The design lasts a fair amount of time. It's easy to apply, and lasts 4 weeks in the fridge after mixed!”

— Di

14 Customer Reviews for

Earth Henna Mini Kit and Refill Kit

The Best Henna I Have Ever Used

This particular brand and kit are the best henna I have ever used/seen. It is easy to use and stays dark and fresh looking (at least 3 weeks). Longer than some that I have had done at festivals!

The is also a wonderful starter kit for anyone. My daughter has been doing the neighbor kids since age 13 and they still come to the door all summer wanting more.
 
— Heather

A Great Kit for First-time Henna Artists

I just ordered this kit a few days ago and it is a great kit for first time henna artists. It comes with a few really good designs that transfer really well on to your skin. The henna itself has to be mixed, but everything is very simple and easy to do. The great thing about this kit is that you do not have to be able to draw a straight line to draw the designs, the transfers make everything really easy. I would recommend this kit to anyone that is wanting to do henna but is not a professional artist.
 
— Juliet

Thank You

This is a great product. My daughters are really enjoying the tattoos, plus they are not permanant. Thank you.
 
— Louis

It Was Awesome!

It was awesome! This was my first henna kit, and it had everything included and very good instructions...now if only it came in multi colors...
 
— Ellen

Really Liked the Bottle-type Applicator

This product worked fine for me. I followed the directions carefully and was able to get a nice stain on my hand where it was applied. My only minor complaint is that it really should have been mixed better by me before putting into the bottle applicator. Some of the henna was a bit looser than the rest and your henna will gradually spread a bit while laying on the skin before drying. Just make sure it's mixed well before putting in your applicator and you should be fine. Other than that the directions were clear and easy to follow. I usually practice with cones but really liked the bottle type applicator that comes in this kit as well. Good Luck!
 
— Lori

Simple Instructions to Follow

Simple instructions to follow. Worked as expected, though faded from my hand in less than a week. I imagine if I used the henna on a part of the body I'm not frequently washing, it would last longer.
 
— Alison

A Wonderful Kit

This is a wonderful kit that comes with everything you'll need. The kit comes with 0.18oz of eucalyptus oil, 0.5oz of earth henna solution, 0.3oz of henna paste and Q-tips and tooth picks for mixing and easy touch up work. Complete instructions with step by step instructions. Quick decal templates, and an easy to use storage bag. Thats everything you will need. The average design has lasted without fading up to 4 WEEKS, slightly less if exposed to sunlight.
 
— Mark

Nice All-in-one Kit

Nice all-in-one kit for someone like me trying it out of the first time.
 
— Steve

The Perfect First-time Henna Kit

I recently received this kit as a gift and let me tell you — it's great! The instructions are clear & easy to follow, all you have to do is mix the stuff then wait a few hours (I let it sit for 6 hours) and then you're all set to draw! Plus, if you're not the greatest artist in the world, this kit comes with cool designs that you can trace onto yourself. Keep in mind that the LONGER you let the Henna design dry on your skin, the DARKER it will turn out, and that removing it too early will result in a light orangeish color. This is the perfect first-time Henna kit.
 
— Taylor

Fun and Easy to Use

Love the henna tattoo kit. Very fun and easy to use. Brought back my love of creating art :)
 
— Nicole

Something for Everyone

This kit comes with wonderful, easy-to-use stencils that include feminine, flowery armbands, tribal symbols, little butterflies and circular symbolic suns. These designs have something for everyone, but you can always make your own design with the henna, which is pretty easy to do with the metal applicator.

My henna lasted very long, though it did fade eventually. My recommendation would be to put your henna somewhere you can easily cover up, because when it starts getting lighter it can look from far away like you have some sort of rare skin disease or something.

Make sure you do research about what henna is, because if you think this is just a temporary tattoo kit, you're wrong. It has much more depth than that, plus you'll be disappointed if you're a fan of the bright, trashy biker tattoos you see at bars — because the ink here is a traditional brownish red.
 
— Marilyn

Love the Color

I love it. It smells so sweet and it was delivered right on time! I love the color it turned out to be, and the applicator bottle works wonderfully!
 
— Charlotte

I Will Be Purchasing This Product Again

We have purchased several henna kits and this one was the best. It had great instructions, easy to use, and lasted a long time. I will be purchasing this product again in the future.
 
— Ni

Product Arrived Promptly

This product arrived promptly and everything was included as promised. The color was great. It would get darker the longer you left the paste on your skin. I got many compliments on my tattoos and I will most likely be purchasing this again
 
— Melanie

“The great thing about this kit is that you do not have to be able to draw a straight line to draw the designs, the transfers make everything really easy. I would recommend this kit to anyone that is wanting to do henna but is not a professional artist.”

— Juliet

6 Customer Reviews for

Earth Jagua Black Temporary Tattoo Kit

Very Satisfied with the Product

Lasted about ten days, very satisfied with the product. I would purchase again. Good to use as a guide to whether you would like a permanent tat.
 
— Charles

A Great Way to Experiment

I did expect the result to be a darker color, but overall a good product. Good alternative to a tattoo and a great way to experiment with possible tattoo ideas and placements!
 
— Katie

Product Was Delivered Quickly

The product was delivered quickly. All of the items advertised were included and useful for creating the best product. The tattoos lasted up to 10–11 days, with the darkest and most pronounced color on days 3–5 before fading. Smaller/thinner lines fade quicker but the thicker, more substantive tattoos lasted the longest.
 
— Karen

This Jagua Is Awesome!

This jagua is awesome! I was worried that it wouldn't be very dark, but it's GREAT!

Very easy to mix and apply. The kit comes with a decently fine tip (not EXTREMELY fine, but finer than I had expected), and it's a good consistency. Color is midnight; a nice, dark, blue-black. IT TAKES 24 HOURS TO DARKEN. Do not get discouraged when you rinse the gel off and the tattoo is light grey. It DOES darken significantly over 24 hours.

The stain does last 2 weeks; however, after the first week it faded about 1/3 the original darkness. I re-applied the gel and it completely renewed the dark color, so it was no problem.

There is a decent amount, as long as you're only using it for smaller designs. I've already gotten 3 applications from it, and I still have plenty left. It stores well in the fridge so far, and it goes a long way.

The stencils the kit comes with were not to my liking, but it's easy to make your own. It found that I was able to print my own designs, and if I applied them (using the eucalyptus) immediately after printing, when the ink was still wet from the printer, it provided an okay stencil for me.

Overall, I was very pleased with this purchase. I was a little wary of ordering a product like this online, because I wanted to be sure I was getting a good product — but this is certainly what I was looking for!
 
— Olivia

Works Pretty Decent

So this stuff works pretty decent. Came with some templates, the usual tribal stuff, a butterfly, spider and so on. All pretty small — maybe 2″ by 2″ and a couple 4″ × 2″. You put oil on your arm, press on the template, it leaves a faint image of the design and then you fill in by hand with the ink dispenser. It dries, forms a kind of crust. You rinse off and it is looks faded, then the next day it looks better.

Tat comes out blackish blue color similar to ink you might think someone got from a back alley tat parlor, but if that is the look you're going for it is fine. It worked for me. I actually hand drew a design and filled it in, worked well. Faded after about a week, then at about 2 weeks was very faded, 2¹/₂ weeks gone.
 
— Charles

Works Well

I've tried several different inks, and this is the best. Instead of a reddish tint like henna, it's kind of a bluish black tint. It does take a good 24 hours to darken, but works well. Last about two weeks.
 
— Diane

“Lasted about ten days, very satisfied with the product. I would purchase again. Good to use as a guide to whether you would like a permanent tat.”

— Charles

4Customer Reviews for

Earth Jagua Body Art Set

Will Definitely Purchase Again

This ink definitely lasts about two weeks. The color develops overnight and is nice and black. I use it on my eyebrows. I will definitely purchase this again.
 
— Nellie

I Would Definitely Reorder

Product came early, and in great condition. I would definitely reorder from this seller in the future. Great buying experience, especially around the holidays.
 
— Lisa

Met My Expectations

This product met my expectations. My wife and I love trying new designs without the permanence of a real tattoo.
 
— Tomas

It Turned Out Awesome

My 18-year-old daughter wanted to see if a temporary tattoo worked. It turned out awesome and lasts a couple weeks and then you have the option to change it, whereas with a "real" tattoo you are confined to one option.
 
— Helen

“This product met my expectations. My wife and I love trying new designs without the permanence of a real tattoo.”

— Tomas